National Dinosaur Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is National Dinosaur Museum?
What makes it 94% Kids-Friendly: Hands-on fossil area, activity sheets, outdoor models and birthday packages give children rich learning and play, with family tickets and safe paths making it almost perfect.
Positives:
- Engaging Learning: Children gain hands-on experience with real fossils and interactive displays.
- Photo Opportunities: Life-size models and a Jeep photo spot create fun family photo backdrops.
Challenges:
- Grounds Weather: The outdoor garden can be wet or muddy after rain; pack raincoats or boots.
- Dim Lighting: Some indoor exhibits have low light for atmosphere, which may challenge younger kids.
What is National Dinosaur Museum?
- A Canberra-based museum dedicated to paleontology and the study of dinosaurs and prehistoric life
- Collection featuring more than 23 complete dinosaur skeletons, over 150 life-size models and animatronic specimens
- Exhibition spaces comprising indoor fossil galleries and an extensive 1,500 m² outdoor dinosaur garden
What is so special about National Dinosaur Museum for with kids?
- Explore 150+ life-size dinosaurs and skeletons indoors.
- Wander a 1,500 m² outdoor garden with climbable models.
- Discover fossils in a hands-on interactive zone.
- Complete a kids’ activity sheet for a free prize.
- Enjoy a family picnic on covered outdoor tables.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Provides enough time to explore both indoor galleries and the outdoor garden while allowing breaks for younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in National Dinosaur Museum
Indoor Dinosaur Galleries:
Walk among 23 complete skeletons and 150+ life-size models.
Tip: Go early to catch quieter galleries and use the kids’ activity sheet to guide exploration.
Dinosaur Garden Stroll:
Explore the 1,500 m² outdoor area with animatronic and static models.
Tip: Let kids climb the ankylosaur and pose by Stan the T. rex for memorable photos.
Hands-On Fossil Zone:
Touch real and replica fossils, crystals, and meteorites downstairs.
Tip: Encourage each child to choose one specimen to examine up close.
Kids’ Activity Sheet:
Free puzzle sheet that sends kids on a museum-wide scavenger hunt.
Tip: Pick up the sheet at entry and collect the small prize at the end.
Picnic on Undercover Deck:
Enjoy lunch on covered tables beside the garden.
Tip: Bring simple lawn games and extra water for summer visits.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to National Dinosaur Museum
- Early Arrival: Arrive at opening to enjoy exhibits with fewer visitors and clearer photo spots.
- Pack Lunch: Bring your own food to use the undercover picnic deck and save on park concessions.
- Plan Rest Stops: Schedule short rests between galleries to keep younger children energized.
Reviews of National Dinosaur Museum
Sharnie Dwyer
I love the national dinosaur museum! It has many great fossils and models, full of educational facts and a lot of effort put into the displays. The dinosaur garden is so much fun, the statues are so cool! It’s been so creatively done and beautiful! The gift shop is also great with lots of stuff to choose from, there’s some really nice souvenirs as well as the genuine crystals and fossils.
Darren Frost
Brilliant little museum that fits in a lot despite its conservative footprint. Great displays with lots of information. Cindy was a lovely lady who gave us some great information when we arrived about the famous find of the raptor and protoceratops bones captured mid fight.
Priscilla Rewiri
Wow! Visited with my husband and our sons 1,2 and 17yo and everybody had excitement in different areas of the museum. We were in time for the tour guide and had interesting facts. Wasn’t boring at all. We visit during the winter holidays and it wasn’t packed at all. It’s not the big but displays enough for you to turn into a child full of excitement. My 2yo loved touching all that he was aloud to ...
Nacca 368
Took our sons here during the school holidays, and they both (as well as my husband & I) enjoyed learning fun and interesting facts about various dinosaurs and touched real fossil dinosaur pieces. There is so much jam packed into a conservative space and was also quite busy seeing it was the school holidays. Would love to see it expanded to a bigger building. The dinosaur garden with the carts and...
Bikash Katwal
🦕 Fun for the Whole Family! 🦖 We had an amazing time at the National Dinosaur Museum! The kids absolutely loved it – they were so excited seeing the life-size dinosaurs, fossils, and fun interactive displays. It was both educational and entertaining, and we all learned so much while having fun. A perfect day out for families – highly recommended for children of all ages! We enjoyed a lot and w...
When is the best time to visit National Dinosaur Museum (Canberra, Australia)?
In summer, bring hats and water for the outdoor garden. In winter, layer up as the galleries can be chilly. Check school holiday dates for special events.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family admission (2 A + 2 C) | AUD 75 |
| Snacks & drinks | AUD 15 |
| Souvenirs | AUD 20 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 110 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of National Dinosaur Museum
Address: 6 Gold Creek Rd, Nicholls ACT 2913, Australia
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About National Dinosaur Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 2 6109 8160Explore Popular Things to Do
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